Borrowing Policy

Revised: 2014

Obtaining a Library Card:

“RESIDENT”: Any person who is of kindergarten age, age 5 or older, or can print their first name and who resides within the State of Ohio is entitled to free library services and may apply for a borrower's card in person at the library. For a list of library materials and services please click here.

“NON-RESIDENT”: Residents of other states and countries may obtain a library card by showing a photo ID and proof of home address. All other policies and regulations are identical to those of a resident borrower. Non-residents will be charged an annual fee of $20 for their card.

A photo ID showing the birth date and a current utility bill as proof of address are required. An exception will be made if the librarian can validate for the patron. In the rare case a patron cannot produce a utility bill, another current and official document may be used, such as: checkbook with address, bank statement, etc. Thereafter, the card issued in the patron's name should be presented when borrowing items from the library.

First time borrowers are restricted to three items only. Patrons may borrow a maximum of 50 items per card. Staff has the option of overriding this limit for proven responsible patrons.

Each adult borrower is held responsible for all items charged out on his or her card.

A parent’s or guardian’s signature is required for a minor (under 18 years old). The parent or guardian will be responsible for the appropriateness of materials, including electronic information, and for payment of charges incurred with the card. A legal guardian needs to be present with a minor when signing up for minor's card. If the legal guardian does not currently a library card, the legal guardian must present the same requirements (photo I.D. showing birth date and current utility bill.) Foster children will need the signature of their foster parent.

Persons abusing their library privileges will have their library card revoked.

Educator Cards

Educator Cards are available for teachers and homeschooler teachers. An Educator Card extends the loan period to six weeks with one renewal of three weeks. An Educator Card has a limit of 75 items per card. The Educator Card is to be used only for student study materials.

Loan Periods and Limits

The loan period is different for various library materials. Each material category is also limited to the number of items checked out at one time.

Loan Period

Material

Limit

21 Days

Books and Audiobooks

CDs

Magazines

Early Childhood Education kits

ADHD Toys

Playaways

50

50

50

5

5

2

7 Days

DVDs

R-Rated DVDs

Video Games

Playaway Views

Playaway Launchpad

7

7

2

1

1

Renewing Items

Most materials can be renewed up to three times in person, by phone, or online. Materials cannot be renewed if the patron has fines exceeding $5 or if another patron has requested it (placed it on hold).Non-circulating items include: reference materials, microforms, Preble County Room genealogy materials, and current issues of magazines.

Fines

Overdue fines are charged for each day open for business by the branch from where the material was borrowed. Late fines are 10 cents per day for overdue items except playaway views and video games, which are $1 per day. Late fines are not to exceed $5. Bounced checks will incur a charge of $10 per item This fee cannot be waived.

Lost or unreturned material

Lost or unreturned materials will be charged for the actual cost of that material. Cost of other types of damages are listed below. When payment has not been made for unreturned items for over a month, a collection agency will recover the cost for the library. Even if the material is recovered, there is a collection fee charged for the work of the collection agency. Collection fees cannot be waived.

Recovering Lost Items

When a patron has lost an item and returns it undamaged within one year, the library can refund the patron the cost of the item if the patron paid for it. When a patron returns the item after one year, the patron will not be refunded. Any other existing fees on the account will be deducted from the amount due before patron will be reimbursed. Amounts to be reimbursed under $10 will be reimbursed by the branch library. Amounts of $10 or more will be reimbursed by check and mailed to the address on the patron's account.

Waived Fines:

Current staff and Board of Trustees

Developmentally disabled persons in group homes

Veterans with proof of service

Staff members who have worked continuously for 30 years or more

Fees

A replacement card costs $1.

Sending and receiving fax charges are $1 per page, $5 per page if out of the U.S.